02 Mar Prizewinner at the ROSL AMC 2018

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Prizewinner at the 2018 Annual Music Competition

Wednesday, 28 February 2018

Despite the snow and bitter winds, the end of February has been very busy for me as I competed in the Royal Over-seas League Annual Music Competition 2018. Following the initial video application, I was invited to the String semi-final which took place on Monday February 26th in central London. With the chilly weather, I struggled to get my hands warm to play the mammoth programme I had selected – Ballade Fantastique by Renie and Nocturne for the left hand by Scriabin. I had competed in the past but had not made it past this round before, so I could barely contain myself when I received the news that I was through to the final the following day!

On Tuesday 27th, the journey in was relatively quiet as everyone was huddling inside away from the storm. I was scheduled to play first, which was great as I got to hear all the other fantastic performers – it really was a fantastic mix of musicians: harp, cello, viola, guitar and violin – a treat for the brave audience! I was incredibly happy with my performance (this is rare for me to say!), and the audience seemed to enjoy the programme of standard harp repertoire – Spohr’s Fantasy in C minor and the Carnival of Venice by Posse. Although I didn’t win the main prize, I could not be prouder to have been awarded the Len Lickorish Memorial Prize for a String Player of Promise.

Thanks to Ieuan Jones for allowing me to warm-up on his harp, to Keziah Thomas for listening to my programme and giving me fantastic advice, and of course to my husband who kept me calm and supported me through the intense practise and preparation. Onwards and upwards!